Sarcopenia is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. The main symptom of the condition is muscle weakness. Sarcopenia is a type of muscle atrophy primarily caused by the natural aging process. Scientists believe being physically inactive and eating an unhealthy diet can contribute to the disease.
Sarcopenia is a condition tied to the aging process. It usually affects one's muscle mass and strength, which leads to problems with gait, balance, and overall ability to perform activities of daily living. The symptoms of sarcopenia include loss of stamina and weakness, which can interfere with physical activity.
Your bones, joints and muscles
With age, bones tend to shrink in size and density, weakening them and making them more susceptible to fracture. You might even become a bit shorter. Muscles generally lose strength, endurance and flexibility — factors that can affect your coordination, stability and balance.
Common conditions in older age include hearing loss, cataracts and refractive errors, back and neck pain and osteoarthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, depression and dementia. As people age, they are more likely to experience several conditions at the same time.
Aging has many wonderful aspects, but one of the many problems is that we do not have the stamina and energy we did when younger. That is a normal part of aging and just something that comes with the territory. However, being excessively tired or listless can be termed fatigue.
Heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes are among the most common and costly chronic health conditions causing two-thirds of deaths each year.
Be active most days of the week.
“One cause of frailty is the age-related loss of muscle mass,” Durso explains. Research suggests that activities like walking and easy strength-training moves improve strength and reduce weakness – even in very old, frail adults. Every little bit helps, at any age.
Fatty foods, high sugar content, lots of alcohol and caffeine, and heavy dairy are the staples of poor nutrition after 70.
While there is no way to fully “stop the clock,” it's possible for many older adults to increase muscle strength with exercise, which can help maintain mobility and independence into later life.
There are plenty of potential culprits. Medications for blood pressure, sleep problems, pain and gastrointestinal reflux can induce fatigue, as can infections, conditions such as arthritis, an underactive thyroid, poor nutrition and alcohol use. All can be addressed, doctors say.
According to their internal body clock, most older adults need to go to sleep around 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. and wake up at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. Many people fight their natural inclination to sleep and choose to go to bed several hours later instead.
Eating foods that are rich in iron, like eggs, spinach, and red meat, can help support energy for seniors and fight anemia. Foods with Vitamin B12. B12 is a vitamin that is necessary for high levels of energy.
One of the most well-known things about getting older is the health issues. Diseases come forward, your body starts to deteriorate, and it's harder to stay physically healthy and active. Many little things begin to happen that you have never considered before.
Many older adults are afraid of falling, being unable to afford living expenses and medication, being victimized, being dependent on others, being left alone, and death. Older adults and their families should be aware that health changes can also bring on anxiety.
Key issues for older Australians
The most common types of discrimination include being turned down for a job, being ignored or treated rudely and having disparaging jokes made about their age.
Ongoing fatigue in seniors can be caused by chronic conditions, making it important to monitor and report any new symptoms of weakness and exhaustion to your care team. Some common underlying health conditions that can contribute to fatigue in older adults include: Diabetes. Heart disease.
Fatigue in older adults sometimes occurs as a result of chronic pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other chronic conditions. Your body may tire itself out from trying to manage the pain or inflammation, and living with chronic pain can also lead to mental or emotional fatigue.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Tiredness is a common symptom that can arise when thyroid hormones are low. If there's not enough B3 in your diet, you may start to feel tired.